And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishermen. And he said to them: Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. - Matthew 4: 18- 19.

Monday, September 30, 2013

PSALM 4

by Robin

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast set me at large when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity and seek after lies? Selah

But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

There are many that say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time when their corn and wine increased.

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for Thou Lord only, makest me dwell in safety.

This morning was a glorious start to my week! The weather has finally turned cool and humidity-free through our nights. My porch table was clean and I was able to have breakfast and Bible time out there. Sometimes, I'd look up and watch the chickens roaming around the yard. A dog came over to greet me. My eldest was packing books to head out the door for college. Everything felt at peace in on the inside and in my environment.

We had quite the latter week & weekend with Andrew having a fever, soon to be followed by a bad sore throat. My aches and pains had been growing. I do think part of it is due to my practicing violin and that right shoulder does not want to stay up in the elbow out position for 20-30 minutes. And then there was interpreting on Sunday. I love sign language and our deaf friends but I have never loved being on the stage, approx 12-15 feet from the pastor. I feel so trapped, isolated, stared at! It is a strange choice that God has called me to, knowing my fears. But, God knows what He is doing and who brings Him glory.

I was reminded earlier last week about the little boy who had only 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread, but he put it in the hands of Jesus and it fed thousands! God has given me that promise. Surrender it all. He says, I can do more when you give everything you have to Me.

And so I found myself Sunday morning, the final song before I go up on stage, sitting down to pray. The songs words are "Here's my heart, Lord." I'm begging God to take my everything, which feels like nothing and make something from it. I feel like David in Psalm 4. He heard my distress and had mercy on me. It was sacrifice and trust as tears rolled down my cheeks. As much as I am sick to my stomach, I know the Lord has set me apart for His work and His anointing will come through my hands to speak to the deaf. Selah.

When it is over, my team and deaf friends are so encouraging. For me, I survived and I didn't run off the stage like I had envisioned many times before it began. God put a gladness in my heart and deep down in my soul, I know Who gave the increase.

I know because I have continued in obedience, God gives me safety. A reassurance that trusting in Him is the best place to be.

I don't know where you are today or what you're facing, but I recommend crying out to God and He will hear you and sustain you. Salvation belongs to the Lord: His blessing is upon His people!